4 Ways You Can Simplify Planning In Your Classroom

Staying on top of lesson planning and activity preparation isn't easy unless you have a great system in place. Jumping around from one task to another means tons of time lost. Here are 4 ways you can simplify planning in your classroom.

1. Keep a List

I'm going to start with one I've shared before because it is one of the best things you can do to make planning simpler. You absolutely MUST keep a prioritized list handy. Every time you think of something that needs to be done, write it down!! Complete tasks based on priority and check them off!You can grab this one FREE in my Freebie Library!

2. Batch-Process Tasks

Batch processing the regular tasks you do when planning and preparing student activities will help you make the most of the time you spend on these things!

For example, I prepare my Guided Math centers one set at a time by printing all the activities at once, then laminating all pages I want to last. I cut everything out in one sitting and sort the pieces into a plastic bag for each activity. Finally, I photocopy entire class sets of every accompanying worksheet, so that the centers are ready to go when we need them.

Grab a FREE Guided Math Starter Kit here!
I have folders in my desk area for things needing to be copied or filed so I can generate a pile and complete all of it at once. Why not make the trip to the teacher workroom once and complete all the copying for your entire week?! This is FAR more efficient than running all the way for only one or two photocopies every day.

3. Consider "Home Work"

Face it. As much as we'd like to be able to walk out of the classroom at the end of the day empty-handed, there will always be a certain amount of work we need to bring home to complete.

Consider which tasks need to be completed while you're in the classroom and which can be completed anywhere, and save the latter for home!

4. Enlist The Help Of Students

My students LOVE to to do jobs around the classroom, and I have some former students return every day at lunch to be classroom helpers.

I simplify my workload every day by having students do some of the simpler tasks like stapling, hole punching, distributing papers, sharpening class pencils, and preparing book orders to go home.

These 4 tips have really helped me simplify planning in my classroom and are easy for anyone to implement.How do YOU simplify planning? Be sure to leave me a comment below before you go! You might also be interested in the ideas I've shared in this post:

Find many more organization ideas on this Pinterest board:

If you've enjoyed this post and the freebies I've shared, please pin it or share with friends and colleagues!